Every Christmas, Denmark’s emergency medical helpline gets a surge of calls from people suffering stomach pain after heavy holiday feasts. Doctors remind everyone to stay hydrated, move around, and eat vegetables along with traditional dishes.
Christmas Feasting Sends Many to the Hotlines
The Danish emergency helpline in the Capital Region, 1813, receives hundreds of calls each holiday season. While the winter months bring a wave of infections such as flu and RS virus, the holidays also create a unique issue—people overeating rich, traditional Danish food.
Each year, several residents call about stomach pain, indigestion, or even constipation after Christmas Eve dinners filled with roast pork, duck, caramelized potatoes, and gravy. Medical staff note that call volume often drops precisely when families sit down to eat on December 24. Once dinner ends, though, the phones start ringing again.
Why It Happens and How to Avoid It
The combination of heavy food and alcohol can easily disturb digestion. Many Danes spend December rushing through preparations, shopping, and social events. When the big night comes, they finally relax, enjoy a large meal, and sometimes overdo it. Doctors say the main culprits are fatty foods and large portions. On top of that, Christmas drinks like red wine, beer, and soft drinks add pressure to the stomach.
Medical experts advise people to drink water during the meal, take smaller portions, and move around before or after eating. Something as simple as a short walk between courses can help keep digestion on track. For anyone prone to gallstones, fatty food can trigger painful attacks. Mixing in lighter options—like red cabbage salad or greens—can help make the meal easier on the body.
When to Call for Help
If discomfort turns into sharp or ongoing pain, or if there are signs of something more serious, the advice is to contact Denmark’s regional medical services. The emergency numbers depend on where in the country you are located. In true emergencies, Danes are told to call 112 immediately, but for non-life-threatening issues, the regional after-hours doctors or the acute helpline can guide them.
The helpline 1813 in the Capital Region typically sees peaks in the morning and late afternoon. However, around dinner time on Christmas Eve, it usually remains calm. This pattern repeats every year, likely because most people are too busy eating to reach for the phone—until afterward.
Healthy Holiday Habits
Enjoying the season’s food does not need to cause trouble. Drinking plenty of water helps digestion and balances out alcohol or sugary beverages. Eating vegetables and fruit, even small amounts, can prevent the sense of heaviness that often follows holiday feasts. Moderation makes it easier to enjoy everything from roasted meats to desserts without discomfort.
The traditional dishes of Denmark are an important part of local culture and family gatherings. Still, every year’s Christmas dinner offers a quiet reminder of how indulgence can test even the most festive stomachs. Those who experience unusual or severe symptoms can find helpful medical information and waiting time updates on the Akutberedskab (emergency preparedness) website at akut.dk.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Food Overview
The Danish Dream: Danish Healthcare Explained for Tourists & Expats
DR: En del spiser så meget mad, de er nødt til at ringe til akuttelefonen i julen
